I’m not going to pretend I foresaw Galway’s Leinster final performance coming because, ahead of Saturday evening’s showdown, I felt a degree of trepidation about facing an in-form Dublin outfit.
Dublin’s recent track record against Galway, having won four of the last seven championship meetings, the Tribesmen’s own struggles at Croke Park, where they had failed to win a championship game for six years, the topsy-turvy performances against Kildare, Dublin and Wexford, Dublin’s unbeaten run through this year’s round-robin series, and the results of the recent meetings between the sides in Salthill were all reasons to approach the contest with a degree of caution.
However, what unfolded on Jones’ Road was an exceptional display from Micheál Donoghue’s side as they cruised to a 14-point victory. Their tally of 4-29 alone underlined the creativity and finishing ability on the day.
In truth, the Tribesmen never looked like being beaten. From an early stage they imposed themselves physically and tactically bamboozled a Dublin team who far too often resorted to lumping long balls on top of John Hetherton, who was brilliantly shackled by Dáithí Burke (who powered through a worrying looking knee injury ) and co.
Neither the early injury-enforced withdrawal of Rory Burke nor Conor Whelan’s extremely harsh black card could derail Galway’s steamrolling to a fourth provincial crown. It gave hurling followers a real lift and, even with a semi-final to come against the winners of Cork and Offaly, Donoghue’s second year in charge can be regarded as an undeniable success, even now as we enter into bonus territory.
Eight-year hoodoo ended
The emotion that poured out from the players and management at the final whistle illustrated just how much this victory meant. For the more experienced members of the squad, it marked the end of eight years of frustration, near misses and disappointing performances on the biggest stage.
To finally deliver when it mattered most brought a release that was impossible to miss. You could see it in the celebrations of Conor Whelan, Dáithí Burke and Conor Cooney — players who have carried the burden of those setbacks.
It was an important day for Galway’s younger brigade too. A Leinster medal is a prized possession and, for the likes of Aaron Niland, Jason Rabbitte and Cillian Trayers, hopefully it is the first of many. Winning can become a habit and there is no better time to develop that mentality than at the beginning of an inter-county career. The lessons learned from winning major titles can stay with players throughout their careers and Galway will hope this group develops a taste for it.
Chance to dominate
There’s an opening now for this team to become the dominant side in Leinster with Kilkenny’s regression. On paper at least, there is no reason why Galway cannot establish themselves as the province’s standard-bearers over the next few seasons. They possess the depth, talent and experience required to remain at the top table.
Of course, potential counts for little if it is not backed up by performances, but Saturday’s display suggested Galway are well placed to turn this Leinster success into something more enduring.
A special mention must also go to Tom Monaghan. Having started the championship on the bench – featuring as a substitute in Galway’s opening three games – he has been one of the team’s standout performers since. From the second half of the Kildare game onwards, the Craughwell man has amassed an impressive 1-21 from play. Form that surely places him firmly in the All-Star conversation.
It is worth remembering that during Shane O’Neill’s tenure, Monaghan found himself dropped from the Galway panel altogether. The manner in which he has responded to that setback speaks volumes about his character and resilience. In a Galway attack built on movement, pace and intelligent use of space, his knack for finding pockets of room and making himself available has become an invaluable asset.
The footballers are back in action this weekend away to Leinster champions Westmeath, where victory will see them qualify for the All-Ireland quarter-final. It’s fair to say the draw has been kind to Galway given that, if they do the business against the Lake County, they’ll have reached the last eight by defeating a Division 4 side, a team relegated from Division 2 and a Division 3 county.
That’s not to say this weekend is anything like a foregone conclusion and Galway will have to be wary of facing a team carrying serious momentum after winning a second ever Delaney Cup and first since 2004. Still, a win will be expected and, if they can somehow string together three more, Sam Maguire would be coming west as we enter into the business end of the season.
